Harbourne Associates are supporting a well-established international retail and consumer business with the a Senior Category Leadership Opportunity.
This is a newly created leadership opportunity that will play a key role in driving the future direction of a sizeable category and commercial function across multiple product areas and markets.
Operating within a fast-paced, multi-brand environment, you'll lead a team of experienced category professionals while working closely with senior leadership to improve commercial performance, strengthen supplier relationships and create greater consistency across the wider category function.
This is a highly visible role with genuine influence, offering the opportunity to shape strategy, introduce new ways of working and drive long-term growth.
About the Opportunity
We're looking for an experienced commercial and category leader who thrives in complex retail environments and enjoys bringing together people, processes and commercial strategy.
You'll inherit an established team and will be responsible for creating alignment, improving communication, identifying new growth opportunities and ensuring category plans support wider business objectives.
The successful candidate will be a strong leader who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution while building credibility across multiple stakeholder groups.
The Role
As Head of Category Management, you'll take ownership of the category function, driving performance, consistency and commercial decision-making across multiple product categories.
You will be responsible for leading and developing a team of category professionals whilst ensuring trading, supplier and product strategies support the wider commercial goals of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach and develop a high-performing category management team.
- Define and implement category strategies across multiple product areas.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and commercial partners.
- Identify new opportunities for growth, innovation and market expansion.
- Review product performance and drive continual improvement across the portfolio.
- Improve cross-functional collaboration across commercial, marketing and operational teams.
- Drive greater consistency, pace and accountability across the category function.
- Influence senior stakeholders and contribute to wider business strategy.
- Lead commercial negotiations and supplier discussions.
- Ensure effective planning, forecasting and delivery against commercial objectives.
What We're Looking For
- Significant experience within Category Management, Buying, Merchandising or Commercial Leadership.
- Experience leading and developing managers and wider commercial teams.
- A strong retail, FMCG, consumer goods or multi-brand background.
- Proven experience managing supplier relationships and commercial negotiations.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify growth opportunities.
- Experience working within fast-paced, matrix-style organisations.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- A proactive, resilient and solutions-focused approach.
Desirable
- Experience within grocery, beauty, personal care, consumer products, or branded retail environments.
- Exposure to international markets.
- Experience leading business transformation or organisational change.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics or similar ERP systems.
What's On Offer?
Competitive Base Salary
10% bonus opportunity
Car allowance
Private healthcare
Hybrid working
Significant autonomy and influence
Opportunity to shape a newly evolving structure
Long-term career growth within an international business
Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to join a commercially ambitious business at a pivotal stage of development.
You'll have the chance to influence strategy, lead change, develop teams and work closely with senior leadership to help shape the future direction of a significant category function.
If you're an experienced category, buying or commercial leader looking for a high-impact role with genuine visibility and influence, we'd love to hear from you.
For a confidential discussion, please apply with your latest CV.
Senior Category Leadership Opportunity employer: Harbourne Associates Careers
As a Depot Manager in the North West, you'll join a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and operational excellence. Our commitment to exceptional customer service is matched by our dedication to fostering a high-performing team environment, where your leadership will directly contribute to both personal and professional growth. With competitive benefits and a focus on work-life balance, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact within an established market leader.
Contact Details:
Harbourne Associates Careers Recruitment Team
